Tow Hitch Location Detection via Image Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the location of a tow hitch on a vehicle are prone to misalignment due to manufacturing tolerances and potential movement of the camera and tow hitch over time, making it difficult for drivers to accurately hitch a trailer.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing imaging means and processing means to search for and accurately determine the location of the tow hitch within an image, even if it moves or is initially in an unexpected position, by using techniques such as Hough transforms, Histogram of Gradients, and classifiers to identify the tow hitch's shape and position, and providing visual feedback to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the tow hitch location is pre-set according to camera and tow hitch design locations, then the system is simple to implement, but manufacturing tolerances and movement cause misalignment of the tow hitch indication
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting the tow hitch location in images and adjusting the indication accordingly. The processing means searches for the tow hitch in captured images and determines its actual position, then uses this information to correct the pre-set indication location, eliminating the need for manual recalibration after manufacturing or accidental movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the detected tow hitch location is used to adjust and correct the indication displayed to the driver. The processing means continuously monitors the actual tow hitch position and modifies the visual indication on the display to compensate for any misalignment, ensuring accurate guidance throughout the vehicle's lifetime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera and tow hitch are subject to manufacturing tolerances and potential movement, then the system must be adaptable to location changes, but pre-set indications become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static pre-set indication to a dynamic adaptive system. The processing means continuously or periodically detects the tow hitch location and adjusts the indication accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and any subsequent movements of the camera or tow hitch throughout the vehicle's operational life.
3Measurement precision
If the system searches the entire image for the tow hitch, then accurate location determination is achieved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing means divides the image into multiple regions and performs the tow hitch search selectively in specific areas where the tow hitch is most likely to be located. This segmentation approach maintains accurate location determination while significantly reducing the computational burden and processing time compared to searching the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a focused search in predetermined regions of the image that are most likely to contain the tow hitch, rather than exhaustively searching the entire image. This partial action approach achieves sufficient accuracy for the application while minimizing processing time and computational resource requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for determining a location of a tow hitch (280) mounted to a vehicle (250), comprising imaging means (260) disposed in relation to the vehicle to output image data corresponding to an image (105), and processing means (200, 210) arranged to receive the image data (270), wherein the processing means is arranged to select image data corresponding to a region (310) of the image and to search within the selected data for image data corresponding to the tow hitch (280) to determine the location of the tow hitch within the image.